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The Gold Lining Girl

but first, dessert!

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Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust

February 24, 2015

A creamy and rich key lime cheesecake with a salty and buttery pretzel crust and whipped topping! This Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust is the ultimate summer treat!

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 7 pin

I really wanted to make Pink Champagne Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting for Valentine’s Day. I had it in my head. I thought they’d be so pretty, maybe clever, and just perfect for the holiday.

I had an issue though – S.O. doesn’t like marshmallow. Come to think of that, I don’t think he’s much of a cupcake person either. He’s never indicated that he isn’t, but if I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat one (update: since originally writing that a few days ago, he ate these!).

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 2

So, when I made those cupcakes, I presented myself with a problem: I love them and they were pretty and delicious, but Valentine’s Day wasn’t about me. I guess. I needed (and wanted) to make something for S.O. For him, the answer is always cheesecake. It doesn’t really matter what the question is, the answer is cheesecake. It’s the way to his heart. This Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust was a total winner.

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 5

His absolute favorite cheesecake is my Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake. In his mind, that is the apex of desserts. It can’t be topped. I make that cheesecake year-round. It really doesn’t matter what season it is and whether pumpkin is fitting, we make it anytime because we LOVE it. Still, I was determined to make something more seasonally appropriate than pumpkin, and I also had a ton of key limes leftover from when S.O. brought home a big bag of like 30.

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 16

The verdict: it was decided that key lime cheesecake, and key lime dessert in general, are something that we adore, but do not eat enough of. Key lime zest and fresh key lime juice flavor this super rich and creamy Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust. Over time, I’ve personally found that my favorite cheesecakes are very dense.  If the mood strikes, I like a light and fluffy cheesecake, but for the most part, I want a really rich and dense cheesecake, but still very creamy.  This delivers.

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 6

With a crushed pretzel crust, you also get that delightful sweet and salty flavor combination. The key lime and pretzels together taste a little margarita-like. Sweet, salty, AND tart. This is a unique Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust is one that doesn’t disappoint.

I know that it went over well with my S.O., not just because he told me so, but because this dessert did a partial disappearing act overnight, as cheesecake is so prone to doing in this house. All desserts, actually!

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 14

5 from 1 vote
Print

Key Lime Cheesecake with Pretzel Crust

A creamy and rich key lime cheesecake with a salty and buttery pretzel crust and key lime whipped topping!
Course Dessert
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 10 -12 slices
Author Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl

Ingredients

Pretzel crust:

  • 2 1/2 c. crushed pretzel twists
  • 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. unsalted butter melted

Key Lime Cheesecake:

  • 4 - 8 oz. packages reduced fat cream cheese softened
  • 1 1/4 c. sugar
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 c. fresh key lime juice
  • 2 tbsp. key lime zest

Topping:

  • 1 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. key lime zest

Instructions

For crust:

  1. In a large bowl, combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Mix until crumbly, and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, pressing the crumbs slightly up the edges.

For filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add in sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend well after each addition.
  4. Beat in key lime juice and zest.
  5. Pour into prepared pretzel crust.
  6. Bake at 325 degrees for 60-70 minutes. The edges will be golden brown, and the center will still jiggle slightly, but will set as it cools.
  7. Allow to cool completely. Refrigerate to chill.

For topping:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold in zest.
  3. Spread topping over cooled and chilled cheesecake. Enjoy!

key lime cheesecake with pretzel crust 17

So, yeah, it’s good! 🙂

Key Lime Cheesecake pin 1

 

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Filed Under: Cheesecakes, Desserts, Recipes 103 Comments

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Lovely comments

  1. Zainab says

    February 24, 2015 at 7:19 pm

    I just made a key lime mousse pie on a pretzel crust and I am just in love. Now I wish I did cheesecake 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Haha! That’s so funny. Our brains are on the same page lately because I just made blackberry shortcakes with lemon curd this week and then I saw your delicious pie!!!

      Reply
  2. Amanda says

    February 24, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    This is gorgeous! YUM!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    February 24, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    What a gorgeous cheesecake! I’m totally channeling spring right now! And I’m loving that pretzel crust, sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks so much, Gayle!

      Reply
  4. Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says

    February 24, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Oh that’s absolutely beautiful Sarah! I have yet to make an actual cheesecake. I’ve made mini ones, but I’ve never made a full size cheesecake. That definitely needs to change. Especially since you keep showing me pictures of all these amazing cheesecakes that I want to try! And a pretzel crust too. Mmmm.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 8:35 am

      Yes, you definitely should! Mine ALWAYS crack, and I know I could fix that, but I don’t actually care to. I just accept that it cracks, and slather some whipped cream on top!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    February 25, 2015 at 5:55 am

    Looks delicious, Sarah! My husband’s two favorite desserts are key lime pie and cheesecake…this would obviously be heaven for him! Pinning it and I’ll be making it soon!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 8:33 am

      Oh that’s awesome!! We love cheesecake too, and we definitely love key lime stuff, but don’t eat it enough! Gonna have to change that. Thanks, Blair! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Dorothy @ The Creative Recycler says

    February 25, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Dear goodness! I need this in my life! Key lime pie and cheesecake are my two fave desserts. I’m pinning this for later.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:08 am

      Aww, thanks so much, Dorothy! So glad you like it!

      Reply
  7. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

    February 25, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Mmm I love the pretzel crust on this!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      Thanks so much! It adds a nice salty touch!

      Reply
  8. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says

    February 25, 2015 at 11:05 am

    I love key lime cheesecake! The idea to put it on a pretzel crust is pure genius! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Thank you so much! It makes these sweet, tangy, AND salty! Haha! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Anna | ANNAdventure says

    February 25, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Yum! I love anything cheesecake and anything key lime so this sounds amazing! I love the pretzel crust too! Clever 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Thank you, Anna! So glad you like it! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    February 25, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Oh my, that looks like the most perfect cheesecake ever!! Just beautiful Sarah! Pinned.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:36 pm

      Thanks, girl! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says

    February 25, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    Cheesecake and me started this new relationship and I am loving it! This looks devine! What a fun twist with the pretzel crust! And I am so happy the hubby loved it and glad he even ate the cupcakes. 🙂 My hubby isn’t a huge dessert person in general which is a bummer cause then I have to eat it all. Of course I don’t have to but…well you know that rest, hehe. 😉 Pinned.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 25, 2015 at 5:38 pm

      Lol! I hear ya! Thankfully, my S.O. does eat sweets because I do need help eating them up around here! I have a sweet tooth too so I could certainly eat them all myself, but I try not to! Haha! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Leigh Suznovich says

    February 25, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    This looks INCREDIBLE!! Two of my favorite desserts all in one gorgeous package 😀

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 26, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Yay!! So glad you like it! Thank you!

      Reply
  13. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says

    February 26, 2015 at 9:19 am

    I have a love/hate relationship with cheesecake. Love it because it is amazing and tastes so good, but hate it because I can’t ever stop eating it. I am loving how rich and creamy this one looks…and just yes to that pretzel crust!!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 26, 2015 at 9:41 am

      I know what you mean!!! It’s a guilty pleasure of mine too. I have a hard time ever turning it down. My S.O. goes through it even faster than I do though! Thanks so much, Jocelyn! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Barb says

    February 26, 2015 at 9:53 am

    My mom will love this! She is a big key lime lover, and this is a nice change on the regular key lime pie. I love the pretzel crust idea. I have a family member coming from out of town one of these days to visit her, and we will have to make it then!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 3, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      HAHAHA!!! We will make it. It is easy to make, and Gma will love it if she likes key lime. She does seem to really like the key lime yogurt flavor!

      Reply
      • Barb says

        March 3, 2015 at 7:18 pm

        5 stars
        She loves key lime pie! She acquired a taste for it in Florida!

        Reply
  15. mira says

    February 26, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    This key like cheesecake looks gorgeous and sounds fantastic! Love the pretzel crust! Definitely a must try!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      February 26, 2015 at 1:48 pm

      Thank you so much, Mira! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kelly says

    February 26, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    This cheesecake looks gorgeous! I love key lime desserts and it sounds amazing with the pretzel crust! This is totally getting me geared up for spring too!

    Reply
  17. Gilly says

    March 1, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    This looks so delicious!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 1, 2015 at 11:20 pm

      Thank you so much!! We love cheesecake and this had amazing flavor!

      Reply
  18. Beverly says

    March 1, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    My husband’s favorite dessert is key lime pie. We have a key lime tree that produces lots of key limes. I freeze it in batches for a pie. Works great. I still have lots in the freezer. I think I will try your key lime cheesecake version and see how he likes it.
    Thanks for the recipe,
    Bev

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 1, 2015 at 11:20 pm

      That’s a great idea, Beverly!! We just planted a lime tree last year, we are waiting for it to produce and it seems to be struggling. I *need* to get a key lime tree now that you mention it!! That’s such a good idea. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Kim @ The Baking ChocolaTess says

    March 2, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    I am thinking this tastes so darn amazing! I love the pretzel crust with the key lime cheesecake – wonderful!!! BTW….Can I have some? 🙂

    Reply
  20. Jessy @ The Life Jolie says

    March 3, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Looks amazing- anything involving a pretzel crust is a win- I love the salty and sweet flavor combo!

    I stopped by from Totally Talented Tuesdays.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 3, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      So glad you like this recipe, Jessy! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  21. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

    March 4, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    I love that you made a pretzel crust!! This cheesecake looks like the best one ever!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 5, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Aww, thank you so much, Dorothy!! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Erica says

    March 5, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    Hi there! This looks so pretty, I don’t know if I would want to even cut it… Nah, I could probably put this whole thing down in one sitting. Maybe two if I had a big lunch 😉 Thanks so much for linking up at Wordless Wednesday- Great job!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 5, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks so much for the party!

      Reply
  23. Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says

    March 6, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    THIS sounds soooo yummy and refreshing. Love Key Lime Pie! Thanks for sharing on Found & Foraged!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 6, 2015 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks, Kyla! Thanks so much for the party!

      Reply
  24. Adelina says

    March 7, 2015 at 12:13 am

    Key lime is one of my favorite cheesecake flavors! I can’t wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing on Weekend bites.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 8, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Thanks so much for the party, Adelina!

      Reply
  25. Karly says

    March 7, 2015 at 2:07 am

    Love that salty and sweet combo! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 8, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  26. Susan says

    March 7, 2015 at 11:11 am

    I lo-ove cheesecake and the sweet salty combo sound heavenly. Thanks for sharing at the This Is How We Roll Link Party on Organized 31.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 8, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Thanks so much for the party!

      Reply
  27. Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says

    March 7, 2015 at 9:09 pm

    This looks great – I love key lime pie! Thanks for linking up at Best of the Weekend!

    Reply
  28. Rose's Craft at FineCraftGuild.com says

    March 9, 2015 at 5:25 am

    I have such wonderful memories to Key West, that whenever I hear ‘key lime pie’ I smile. However, I actually never made it even though I brought a postcard with the recipe on it home with me! Where it is??? Who knows. So thank you for sharing your recipe here. Maybe something to make over Easter… Hugs/kisses, from Rose, FineCraftGuild.com

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 9, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      That’s so fun, Rose! I have lived in central FL for 7 years now and still haven’t gone to Key West. I really need to go. So glad you like this cheesecake!

      Reply
  29. Joy @ Yesterfood says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:49 am

    5 stars
    Sarah, I love cheesecake, and yours sounds fantastic (and your photography is really lovely!). Perfect for St. Patrick’s day. 🙂 Featuring tonight at Treasure Box Tuesday- we get started at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time! Thank you for partying with us- pinned! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 9, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      Thank you so much, Joy! Your comment was so sweet! I’m thrilled you like the cheesecake, and thank you for the feature!

      Reply
  30. Lou Lou Girls says

    March 9, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    I’m loving this! You always bring such amazing things to our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight at 7 at our party. I can’t wait! Lou Lou Girls

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 9, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      Thank you so much for the party! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Lauren C. says

    March 9, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    This looks absolutely divine!! Pinning! So glad to have seen you at Treasure Box Tuesday!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 10, 2015 at 8:03 am

      Thanks so much, Lauren!

      Reply
  32. Mandi says

    March 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    PINNED! And I wish I could invite myself over for a slice…this looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 11, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      Thanks so much, girl! 🙂

      Reply
  33. Mandee Thomas says

    March 10, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    Mmmm, this sounds SO good! Thanks so much for sharing at the Create & Share Link Party. Hope to see you again tonight (7:00 PM MST)!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 11, 2015 at 1:03 pm

      Thanks so much, Mandee! I always appreciate the party!

      Reply
  34. Theresa says

    March 11, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    I just made some key lime bars this looks amazing. Pinned for later!Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party! Hope to see you again soon. Shared…

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      March 11, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
  35. Cindy burzynski says

    September 7, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Hi- I made this cheesecake for an end of summer party and it was delicious. I had some problems with the crust. It was dry and crumbly and lots of crumbs remained in pan and made a big mess. What is the correct measurement of the pretzels? Before or after they are crushed? Also, I baked this for 70 minutes and refrigerated overnight but still felt it was a bit soft. Everyone said it was very good but I didn’t think it presented well. I’ll try it again though.

    Reply
  36. Helen says

    June 5, 2016 at 11:14 am

    Thanks for sharing on What’s for Dinner!

    Reply
  37. Martin @ The Why Chef says

    June 7, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    Cheesecake and key lime pie are two of my favourite ever desserts, and I’m not much of a dessert fan! And the photos are excellent – can’t wait to give this a try! 😀

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 13, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  38. Janet Vinyard says

    June 7, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    Love anything key lime but cheesecake with pretzels sounds fantastic! Look forward to making this soon! Thanks for the recipe! Blessings, Janet

    Reply
  39. Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:01 am

    I never would have thought to use pretzel for the crust…LOVE that idea! I’ll bet it tastes amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Share The Wealth Sunday!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 13, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks, Lisa!

      Reply
  40. Beverly says

    June 9, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    This looks incredible. I love to get recipes that use key limes since my tree is producing so many.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 13, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      You are so lucky! Our lime tree is fruitless. You’ll love the cheesecake!

      Reply
  41. Julie says

    June 9, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    This is a gorgeous cheesecake! Perfect for summer!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 13, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  42. Sarah says

    June 10, 2016 at 3:51 pm

    Yumm! This cheesecake looks great! Pinned 😀

    Reply
  43. Frugal Hausfrau says

    June 11, 2016 at 12:31 am

    What a great flavor combo!! This sounds divine!! Desserts disappear around here, too, during the night. Darned elves.

    Thanks for sharing this with us at Throwback Thursday this week!

    Mollie

    Reply
  44. Morgan says

    June 11, 2016 at 11:29 am

    LOVE the idea of a pretzel crust!

    Reply
  45. Jana says

    June 13, 2016 at 12:58 am

    This sounds amazing! Thanks for adding to the Best of the Blogosphere!!

    Reply
  46. Quinn Caudill says

    June 13, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    I love the idea of the pretzel crust. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday. Pinned and shared! Can’t wait to see what you bring to the party this week.

    Reply
  47. Carlee says

    June 13, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Oh my goodness, now I want to be your valentine too! Do you have room in your heart for me too? 😉 I definitely need to make this soon! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!

    Reply
  48. Leslie says

    June 13, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    This sounds so delicious! I love the combination of sweet and salty, and I bet it’s wonderful with the tartness of the key limes. Yummed and Pinning for future reference!

    Reply
  49. Theresa @DearCreatives says

    June 14, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Thanks for sharing again at the #InspirationSpotlight. Shared

    Reply
  50. Lela Sandra says

    September 21, 2018 at 6:19 am

    5 stars
    That is simple to make and a very healthful and delectable recipe to make this at home, Last time I visited that website for make the fantastic homemade recipe. We love this recipe! We included it in our top 26 Keto recipes article- Thanks again!

    Reply

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Hello, It’s Nice to Meet you!

I'm Sarah! A baker and dessert maker, craft addict, beauty product hoarder, and fitness enthusiast. I have a special affinity for shiny gold objects. I get distracted by glitter and sequins. If it's gleaming and lustrous, I need it. Welcome! Please stay awhile! Read More…

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